Amherst, New Hampshire

2016 New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) well water testing of 11 wells within a one-mile radius of the former location of Textiles Coated International (TCI) showed high levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) ranging from non-detect to 620 parts per trillion (ppt). Four of the 11 water well test results were more than 100 ppt.

The discovery followed the announcement that the DES was contacting 40 manufacturers in the state regarding 44 current and former facilities that may have used PFASs.

TCI, which manufactures high-performance fluoropolymer films, laminates and composites, is on that state list, and was marked as a priority. Officials said the TCI plant in Amherst operated from 1985 to 2006.

Residents with wells higher than 100 ppt were advised not to drink the water. Bottled water deliveries are being made to homes with private wells within a half-mile radius of TCI. TCI indicated that they will fund preparation of a design and bid specification package for construction of a public water line to the remaining residents in Amherst currently receiving bottled water.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offered blood testing to residents whose drinking water supply has been contaminated with PFASs. Individuals tested in Amherst had higher levels of PFOA exposure than the general U.S. population.

Additional Resources

NHDES is now posting PFAS sampling results on a GIS based map. The map allows users to zoom into particular areas of interest. To access the map, click here